Podlitical

Latest Episodes:

Seven Deadly Bins Sep 21, 2023

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What does the Prime Minister's shakeup of green commitments mean for Scotland? Following a leak to the BBC, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a shift in net zero greenhouse gas emission targets, pushing the timeline to replace fossil fuel burning cars and boilers further back. While Sunak claims he's still committed to reaching net zero by 2050, First Minister Humza Yousaf has said it would be "unforgivable" for the UK to row back on its climate commitments - but what does it actually mean for Scotland? The team discuss the implications, and question whether this bombshell announcement is a sign an election is closer than we think.

Interview: Meghan Gallacher MSP Sep 19, 2023

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The Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives on her career, motherhood, and GRR. Lucy Whyte and Georgia Roberts sit down with Meghan Gallacher MSP, and discuss her beginnings in North Lanarkshire, how she developed conservative beliefs, and her rise to become deputy leader of the Scottish Conservative party. The team discuss Gender Recognition Reform and the late night vote last year, as well as what she thinks of the UK Government using a Section 35 order to veto the cross-party legislation. What does she think of the Conservatives prospects in the next election, and does she see herself as a future Scottish Tory leader?

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Dress For The Job You Want Sep 14, 2023

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A drug room pilot gets the go ahead, and Labour's Starmer promises to "smash the gangs". The team discuss the week's top political news, including the UK Government saying it won't block plans for a drug consumption room pilot in Scotland, in an attempt to reduce drug deaths. In Westminster, Prime Minister Sunak faces problems with UK-China relations after alleged spying claims emerged, while opposition leader Keir Starmer heads to The Hague to talk about tackling small boat gangs with the EU, and First Minister Humza Yousaf goes to New York City for Climate Week.

Interview: Lord Jack McConnell Sep 12, 2023

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The former First Minister on his chats with Humza Yousaf, and how politics became "petty". The team sit down with Lord Jack McConnell, the Labour First Minister for Scotland from 2001 - 2007, where he reflects on his time in power and the state of political discourse today. Lord McConnell talks about how he sees parties lose touch with voters, how politics moved from class-based to identity-based and its consequences, and whether or not he'd accept a role in a Starmer Government if Labour is successful at the next general election.

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

RAAC To The Future Sep 07, 2023

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From crumbly concrete to conferences, Holyrood and Westminster are back from recess, but did politics ever really go away? As parties gear up for by-elections including the potential bellwether seat of Rutherglen and Hamilton West, and conference season approaches, the team discuss the events over the summer and what comes next. What do the next few months have in store for Holyrood and Westminster? With First Minister Humza Yousaf announcing his programme for government, and the UK Government grappling with RAAC concrete problems, the term is already off to a busy start.

Drawing The Line Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Why and how are constituency boundaries drawn, and why do they change? Join Phil Sim for a deep dive into the review of Westminster and Holyrood boundaries with Professor Ailsa Henderson, Chair of Boundaries Scotland, and Allan Faulds of Ballot Box Scotland. They discuss the detail and feedback that goes into making decisions, the misconceptions around boundary changes, how the changes work, and how some rules can cause quirky border oddities and long constituency names. Phil and Allan also discuss the political impact of the changes, and how it may affect the next election.

Total Recall Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Parties gear up for a by-election as MP Margaret Ferrier loses her seat. The constituents for Rutherglen and Hamilton West have voted to remove Ferrier from office, where she has sat as an independent MP after being kicked out of the SNP in 2020 for breaching Covid travel rules. Following a 30 day suspension from the commons, the recall petition to remove her was signed by almost 15% of the eligible constituents, passing the 10% threshold which triggers a by-election. With party campaigning now beginning in earnest, both the SNP and Labour are eyeing up the seat, hoping this electoral test will prove their leaders' mettle ahead of the next general election.

You Win Some, Ulez Some Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

The team discuss the drama and political ramifications of three by-elections. Keir Mather may have become the youngest MP in the House of Commons, but what do the mixed results mean for Labour's other Keir? And, what key messages can the Tories take away from the results, as they head towards a general election? The panel discuss the importance of local issues, the national picture and, of course, who's leading on the coffee intake stakes.

Election Footing Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

As Holyrood stands for summer recess, parties appear to be gearing up not slowing down. The team looks back on the last Parliamentary period, which saw two Monarchs, two First Ministers, and three Prime Ministers, and discuss why it seems that the parties in Scottish Parliament are already on election footing ahead of the next General Election, despite it potentially being over a year away. In what promises to be a busy summertime, the team look to the events and legislation to watch ahead Scottish Parliament returning in September.

The Independence Strategy Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

The team look ahead to the SNP's "Convention on Independence" in Dundee. With First Minister Humza Yousaf due to open the convention with a speech, what will we learn about the SNP's preferred Scottish independence strategy going forward? The team chats through some of the options that may be on the table for the membership, as well as what strategies they might employ to raise support. From defacto referendums, constitutions, and mass marches, what shape will the independence movement in Scotland take after this week's convention, and where are the points of tension - not just in the SNP, but between other pro-independence parties Alba and the Scottish Greens?

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